US EPA

3099221 

Technical Report 

Health Hazard Evaluation Determination Report No. HE-79-136-668, Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, Shoreham, Long Island, New York 

Moseley, CL 

1980 

NIOSH/00179190 

NIOSH 

HE-79-136-668 

79-136 

In response to a request from employees at the construction site for the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, Long Island, New York, an evaluation was made of possible hazardous conditions existing at this facility. Concern centered around the use of an asbestos (1332214) product, Novatex. Two area air and one personal air sample were taken along with bulk samples of Novatex. Analysis indicated that Novatex contained chrysotile (12001295) asbestos. Fibers of this asbestos were located in a settled dust sample. The two area air samples were negative. The one personal air sample was positive for asbestos. This personal air sample was measured in the vicinity where a pipefitter was working. His exposure was determined to be 0.16 fiber/cubic centimeter, which exceeds the NIOSH recommended limit of 0.1 fiber/cubic centimeter. Novatex was used at this facility to wrap stainless steel pipe to protect it from arc strikes, and as an insulating wrap for welded pipe joints during heat stress. Novatex was also used improperly as a drop cloth to keep welding sparks from falling on workers below, as a walkway covering and as a kneepad for workers having to kneel on grate walkways. The author concludes that a hazard of occupational exposure to airborne asbestos fibers exists at this site. The author recommends that asbestos free substitutes be found for the improper uses of Novatex. Users should be instructed to pick up any leftover Novatex and dispose of it properly. All personnel should be informed of the hazards of asbestos and the proper methods of cleanup.